Friday, June 19 Tom woke up (or, Jasper woke Tom up) at 5:30 to go outside. It was a good move because the rain was just beginning, and Tom walked the dogs and then went back to bed. We had a slow morning, and by 9:00 the rain was mostly over, and the day was predicted to be cool with another brief chance or afternoon rain. With this in mind, we headed out for Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks for the pioneers and a symbol of western migration. It is a natural spire formed from erosion, and it sits on a large base. It looks much today as it did when the wagon trains trundled past! There is a visitor center, but it was closed for remodeling. There were no trails leading up to the base of the Chimney Rock, and once we braved the sidewalks (many snake warnings) bordering the parking lot we continued on our way. Thirty miles down the road, looming 800 feet above the North Platte River, and covering 3,000 acres, Scotts Bluff National Monument showcases another grand landmark for pioneers on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails. Even though it is an obvious consequence of weathering, the area seems timeless. It loomed huge in the distance as we drove the final stretch of backroad to the entrance of the park. The Visitor's Center was not open, but the 1.6 mile saddleback trail, and the considerably longer and winding auto road to the top were. We drove! On top, there were trails leading to the South Overlook and the North Overlook. Below we could see the Visitor Center, the Saddleback trail with people on it, small communities, and all of the surrounding area. It was just stunning. The sky was cloudy, the temperature was about 62, and there was a very stiff breeze. Our next destination was across the border (Nebraska to Wyoming) to Fort Laramie. As we read about it, it seemed that there would be a lot to do – Visitor Center, a lot of bygone buildings, historical video, hiking trails and a phone audio tour. The closer we got, the closer the afternoon promised rainstorm came towards us. Only now it was not just a rainstorm – it was a pounding thunderstorm with temperature of 52, dark skies, winds, thunder, lighting and hard rain. When we reached the parking lot, it appeared that the whole place was shut down! In the backseat of the truck we had two petrified doggies, and there seemed only one thing to do – go back to the Silvermine.
Back by 4:00, I did a cleaning of the inside of the trailer while Tom ran one load of laundry; we’re preparing for 5 days of boondocking in the Rocky Mountains National Park!
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |